caroline,
i have come to realize something about myself---and this blog proves it.
i want so badly to remember and accurately record our milestone moments with you.
but, it's those big milestone moments that are missing from this blog. i just can't wrap my head around doing the moment justice...so i put it off...and it never gets done. thanksgiving. christmas. your dedication. oak's birth. grace's birth.
i'm going to remedy this. i know i'll never ever be able to match words and pictures to the beauty of you and the sweet memories my heart and head have...but something is better than nothing, right?
i'm thinking that your eleven month is up there with these big days. this post a week overdo. but, i think putting this month down in words makes it real that you are almost one year old.
i'm really not handling that well.
after christmas, my mind went crazy dreaming of your first birthday party. but, the closer we get...i choose not to think about it. i guess i'm in denial that my itty-bitty baby is growing up.
then, knowing of the heartache that some of those close to us are experiencing and seeing devastation throughout our world due to earthquakes, war and tornadoes...makes me stop and savor your sweet smell, brush your soft hair and thank God for the beautiful, healthy child that I'm blessed to love today.
you are such a gift, sarah caroline. i cherish each moment and every day. they go fast, but they are so so good. :)
all this to say...my blogging stinks...but in the real world...you are growing so beautifully and are so very loved.
so, in celebration of your eleventh month...
WHAT ARE YOU UP TO, CAROLINE?
i really have no idea how much you weigh! we don't go back to the doctor until next month...and because i don't like them, we don't have a scale in the house :)
you're still wearing a size 4 diaper. i think you're looking long and lean, which makes sense because you are one busy little girl.
you crawl like crazy. grandma thinks that since you've crawled so long...and are a master crawler...that you have no need to walk. i agree. BUT...you have really been stepping over the last few days. grandma and mama have been here (pure joy!) and you were really strutting your stuff. this morning, we were skyping with uncle bill and you probably took 8-9 steps...which i'm thinking is the most so far! you'll walk the length of the house with a hand to hold, but on your own you are much faster on your hands and knees. ha. i suppose this is news for the twelfth month post...oh well!
you are eating lots of things! we're still trying to stick to as much organic food as possible. you eat all sorts of fruits, vegetables, meats, egg yolks...you especially love green beans, cheese and yogurt these days. you've been eating more and more finger foods...bertie girl is loving that! you nicely share :)...it usually goes one bite for you, then another over the shoulder for bertie girl. i should note you had your first sprinkle donut (a very rare and special occasion, thanks to pa) and your first snow cone (ice. with me!). you're cute.
sleep? we can't complain! last night you slept with grandma until you were hungry...i'm guessing 3ish? then, i had to wake you again...for my sake :). you love to sleep in, usually until after 9. one day this week you slept until 10:40...had i known that i would have accomplished much. but, i didn't go far from the bed, as i knew you would wake any moment. you're still taking a couple naps a day. sometimes cat naps of 15 minutes or so. sometimes a good hour. who knows!!??!! you're not a very predictable gal when it comes to sleep!
you've got eight pretty teeth and you love to brush them! i keep thinking that you're cutting two more, but they haven't come through yet. i love your toothy smile.
you love love love love your babies! our collection is quite large. you're lots of fun to take shopping, because you'll pick out favorites. of course, i try to narrow it down for you. :) ... you and grandma chose knox from froggie's in dallas and your daddy bought you chloe at pbkids. they are very loved babies.
you're becoming more and more verbal. you have a pretty distinct momma, dadadada...you nod your head yes when i ask you a question. and we are so sure you said bird and Jesus. really. we have a make-believe tree in our sunroom with birds hanging from it. when we ask you where the birds are, you point up and sometimes say "bird." at night, we love your Bible, read some and I always say "Jesus is Lord" and "Jesus loves Caroline" -- last night we were talking about your Bible with grandma and you said "Jesus".... sweet, sweet baby...you make me melt. :)
your personality is blossoming. and i love it. so much.
you are so tender and loving --- and you give your love freely. it melts my heart. you hug with your whole body and pat, pat, pat. precious. i just know God is going to use that sweet, tender spirit to do mighty things.
you're noticing other babies when we are with friends. that's fun to watch...i wonder what you think?
your eleventh month has been lots of fun
...we had your whole family at hour house for your baby dedication. it's one of my favorite memories. you were so beautiful, and so precious...and you loved oak & grace SO much... pictures from that day will come. ;)
...your dad worked in louisiana, so we took a last minute trip to texas. i spent lots of computer time trying to get caught up on work, and you and grandma and grandpa played and played. then, we took a mini trip to waco for the day to love oak. i cherish anytime we can get with grandma and grandpa. i'm in a state of wonder and awe to see how they love you-- in ways i cannot describe. that's a post all in itself. we are so blessed.
...we've had lots of photoshoots. so, you and dad have had lots of little playdates together.
...our grass is turning green and the we have little sprouts and flowers everywhere...spring is here! we've loved being outside, working in the yard, swinging and going for walks. you L O V E the outdoors. hooray!
...grandma and mama spent a few days with us---moments i'll hold on to forever!
pictures will have to be a different post...but, i'll get some up soon. until i do, i should note that you're prettier with every moment. :)
I'm thrilled for your twelfth month. I love watching you grow!
we have some big events on the horizon...
- your first easter egg hunt at mama's house! i can feel the excitement of waiting behind the doors with all my cousins, while the easter bunny hid the eggs...i can't wait to see you there with your cousins!!!
- your first birthday party!
- lucas' first birthday party!
let's party hard, Sarah Caroline!
i love you SO big...
mom
